Social Impact & Speed: How Sustainable is Formula E?

In 2023 and 2024, Formula E achieved a 55% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions against its baseline, according to its Season 10 Sustainability Report.

However, the championship's emissions rose by 11% compared to Season 9.

This rise, the report says, was primarily due to the transition from secondary assumptions to primary data for the business travel of each team in the championship. 

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, says: “Season 10 proved once again that elite sport and sustainability are not mutually exclusive – they are mutually reinforcing. 

“From using sustainable aviation fuel across continents to leaving lasting legacies in host cities through our Better Futures Fund, our purpose is clearer than ever: to accelerate sustainable human progress through the power of electric racing. 

“While many treat sustainability as a destination or make commitments without true action, our strategy is to always go further, be more ambitious and continually uncover new ways of being innovative and impactful.”

The logistics of racing around the world

Formula E improved its logistics in Season 10, supported by a new global hub in Valencia, Spain, which replaced its previous logistics base at Donington Park in the UK.

The new hub’s proximity to a major port allowed Formula E to optimise its freight routes and increase its use of sustainable sea freight. 

It also partnered with DHL to prioritise the use of ships powered by sustainable biofuels. 

Formula E successfully completed its logistics transition by the start of Season 11 despite challenges including an unexpected flood in Valencia in October 2024. 

The championship also successfully used sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to transport freight between Berlin and Shanghai using DHL’s GoGreen Plus service.

This service uses a book and claim system, with SAF used by air carriers and the emission reductions allocated to shippers as certificates.

Paul Fowler, Vice President Motorsports at DHL, says: “Our collaboration with Formula E shows what’s possible when logistics and sport work together. 

“By partnering closely and rethinking freight strategies, we’ve identified practical ways to reduce emissions – optimising routes and shifting to sea and road transport –while ensuring the championship runs smoothly." 

Formula E’s benchmarks and certifications

For a second consecutive year, Formula E was awarded first position in the Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sport with a best-ever score of 85%. 

It reaffirmed its environmental credentials, aligning with standards including ISO 20121, ISO 14064 and the IWA 42 framework for climate governance and emissions transparency.

Formula E also became the first sport to receive BSI’s Net Zero Pathway certification.

The Pathway provides independent assurance across an organisation's carbon inventory, targets and management controls to help ensure net zero goals are realistic and achievable. 

“Sport has the opportunity to play a leading role in our transition to a sustainable world," explains Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services EMEA at BSI.

“This achievement reflects a deep, long-term commitment to credible climate action and demonstrates what is possible when ambition is matched with transparency and robust governance.”

Elsewhere, Julia Pallé, VP Sustainability at Formula E, says: “We believe electric racing can do more than inspire – it can directly drive change. Over the last 10 seasons we have not only inspired others to act but helped them in delivering real impact.”

Social impact and community engagement

Season 10 took Formula E around the globe to 10 different locations:

• Mexico City, Mexico
• Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Tokyo, Japan
• Misano Adriatico, Italy
• Monaco
• Berlin, Germany
• Shanghai, China
• Portland, US
• London, UK.

Across the season, Formula E says that it reached more than 25,000 people across host cities with community outreach and education. 

It expanded the FIA Girls on Track initiative to all race markets covered in the season with a year-on-year doubling of participation. 

A Girls on Track participant presented trophies at every E-Prix through its podium commitment. 

The Better Futures Fund pilot delivered €75,000 (US$88,000) in grants to sustainability projects led by communities in Berlin, Shanghai and Portland. 

The success of the Fund was built upon for Season 11 and expanded to all race locations. 

Julia explains: “Whether we’re supporting charities, investing in renewable energy or working directly with diverse communities and charity groups, we’re a series not focused on pledges and aspirations, but delivering true progress that can be felt and benefitted from right now. 

“For Season 10 we significantly deepened our local community impact and strengthened our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and resilient future in every city we race.”